Wing Ding festival returns

2012 Ding competitors

John Henley and the State Farm team at last year's Wing Ding Food Festival.

Hot sauces and cool music will be back in Vestavia Hills this month as the Wing Ding returns to spice up the summer scene.

Now in its second year, the festival puts local chefs to the test and invites the community out to sample their cooking. The Wing Ding, scheduled for Fathers Day weekend, will feature activities for the whole family, including a kids zone and live music by Rollin’ in the Hay and Willie Guy and the Lost Maples.

Organizers hope to build on the success of last year’s event, which featured 15 teams of local cooks, recorded an attendance of more than 1,000 and raised approximately $4,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation.

“It’s really an event about awareness,” organizer Jay Dennis said. “There are several families in the Vestavia Hills community that have children with CF, and unlike cancer, many people don’t know what the disease is or how it affects these families.”

The Wing Ding is a project designed and presented by Leadership Vestavia Hills. Dennis said when the idea was introduced it was backed immediately by City of Vestavia Hills administration, as it fit with the City’s desire to include more community events on its calendar.

The 2011 Leadership class that developed the Wing Ding sought to create an event that broke age barriers and brought the entire Vestavia Hills community out to celebrate together. They chose to support the fight against CF not only to raise awareness for community members suffering from the disease, but also because they felt organization was a good steward of its funds.

“Out of every dollar that’s provided to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 99 cents goes to local researchers working to develop a cure, which they’re darn near close to,” Dennis said.

Last year, organizers were just hoping to break even, Dennis said. So after receiving such a warm welcome, expectations for the follow up are high.

Returning sponsors include Cox Media Group, Moore’s Marinade and Aliant Bank, as well as a host of other businesses and individuals, including Mugshots Bar and Grill, which will open its patio to serve adult beverages.

“Having such incredible sponsors as well as supporting the fight against CF is great for our city,” Dennis said. “Not only will be broadcasting to the broader community and bringing positive exposure to Vestavia Hills, the Wing Ding brings tax revenue to the city and provides awareness for a worthy cause.”

The event is scheduled for June 15 from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Vestavia Hills City Center parking deck. Admission is $4, and children 12 and under attend free. For more, call Dennis at 447-7420 or Hurston Raley at 314-5537, email info@vestaviawingding.com or visit facebook.com/VestaviaWingDing.